AB- LOVES TO LEAK

[DON SV HEARTBEAT]

I HAVE A 1994 40.5 WITH AN AB COLD PLATE REFRIDGERATORAND SRPERATE FREEZER. IT NEVER FAILS THAT ONE UNIT OR THE OTHER STOPS COOLING EACH SEASON DUE TO COOLANT LEAKS. I'VE HAD BOTHE UNITS BACK TO AB, THEY MAKE A REPAIR, AND WITHIN ONE TO ONE AND A HALF SEASONS, THEY LEAK AGAIN. (THIS HAS BEEN SINCE THE BOAT WAS NEW!!) ANY SUGGESTIONS?? ALSO, THE FREEZER CONSTANTLY FROSTS OVER... IS THIS NORMAL?

 

[Arthur Boas]

Me too

Had exactly the same issue on my 40.5. Still do in fact. My freezer is now out of commission. It's very annoying.Check the O ring seals where the tubes join the cooling plates.Next item, icing up is normal

 

[Rich Stidger]

I hate leaks

Don,My sympathy to you for the problems with a critical system. I have the last 1997 40.5 out of the factory and have had no leak problems at all.However, I have had icing on the cold plate in both the refer and freezer. I disagree with Art, it is not normal if the ice is more than 1/8-1/4" thick after a week or so.I found that the seals on both compartments were very leaky and allowed moisture to enter. Hunter provided me new seals in the 3rd year at no charge, but after installation they also failed to provide the needed seal.Last year I solved the problem. I purchased a roll of 1/8" white rubber weatherstripping made by FrostKing from $5 at Home Depot. I stuck this to the opposite mating surface so that it contacted the original seals. The rubber is highly compressable and makes a tight seal without causing the lids to close hard. The Frost King Model V23W, White X-Treme Rubber Weatherseal, 3/8” wide, 1/8” thick, 17’ long, $5 at Home Depot is what I used.Prior to installing this weatherstripping, I would get 1/4-1/2" of ice over a weekend in the refer. Now I get 1/4" over a 1-2 weeks.Rich

 

[Gary Buttrey]

Good advise so far...

The poppet valve type couplings at the plate rely on neoprene "o" rings to seal. The next time the units are serviced, be sure to check them for damage, or simply replace them ( the o ring is in the male coupling). A tiny cut could be the cause. Thanks for the good and thrifty advise Rich.

 

[Bill Thomas]

leaking cold plates

There is an inherant problem with the connections to most cold plates. The constant icing/thawing at the plate connections is usually the cause of the leak. If you have Aeroquip couplings, this problem is compounded. The cure is to replace the orings or other sealant fixtures and reassemble the couplings or flare fittings. Then, use a refrigeration/A/C grade sealent, available from most refrigeration supply houses, around the outside of the fittings. This is usually a gray or black, sticky, tar-like substance.(One such substance is refered to as monkeys**t)This will insulate the fittings and prevent them from frosting, expanding and leaking.